“I, too, have a dream – to show people in the out of the way places, some of whom are not only in small villages but in

corners of New York City – something they cannot get from between the covers of books – some real paintings and prints

and etchings and some real music.” – FDR 1938

American Art on the World Stage Post World War II

Federal Emergency Relief Act (1934) What people should be

helped?

Do artists have “real jobs?” “Hell, they’ve got to eat

just like other people!” –Harry Hopkins, head of FERA

Public Works of Art Project (PWAP) December 1933 – June 1934

Federal Art Project (FAP) August 1935 – June 1943 Focused on the Visual Arts

Section of Painting & Sculpture (Section of Fine Arts) 1934-1943 Select high quality art for

public buildings

1934-1943

1% of the PWAP

budget directed at

the murals

In all 48 states

Highly competitive

commissions

Post Office Murals

Focused on combating rural poverty

Photography program 1935-1944 Beginning of photo

journalism

Some of the most iconic images

Dorothea Lange“Migrant Mother”

“Mississippi Delta Children”

Walker Evans “Allie Mae Burroughs”

Walker Evans “Sharecropper”

Promoted the idea of art as a profession

Intentionally beautifying public buildings

Instigated conversations about the role of art in the public

Initiated a community for artists

Promoted travel and experiences for American Artists

Exposed Americans in rural areas to art and culture.